Over the weekend, the state legislature passed a bill to force health insurance plans to cover abortions if they also cover maternity care. The bill also would set up a program to pay for abortions for women without insurance and those on Medicaid, with taxpayer funds.

The Senate concurred on changes made in the House to Senate Bill 6219 and passed it on a 27-22 vote Saturday. The measure now heads to Gov. Jay Inslee for his expected signature.

In addition to linking abortion coverage with maternity care, the bill would require health plans issued or renewed after Jan. 1, 2019, to provide copayment- and deductible-free coverage for all contraceptive drugs and devices, as well as voluntary sterilization and any consultations or other necessary procedures.

Pro-life advocates in the state said the bill will force taxpayers to pay for unborn babies’ abortion deaths. Human Life of Washington described the bill as “free abortions for all,” including illegal immigrants.

The Catholic Bishops of Washington also strongly oppose this bill because it would promote abortions while violating constitutionally-protected conscience rights. The legislation is now headed to Governor Inslee. The bishops will be asking the Governor to veto the bill.

During a committee hearing Jan. 22, student pro-life advocates told lawmakers that abortion clinics in Seattle abort unborn babies up to 26 weeks, past the point of viability.